Grand Isle Resort and Spa, Photo by Mel Barlow
To wrap up our week of destination inspiration and recap of our visit to Exuma, I thought I would share a few “must do’s” while visiting.
1. Boat trip to the Chat ‘n’ Chill
Located on 9 acres with over 1000 feet of pristine white sand beach, the Chat ‘n’ Chill is the perfect spot to to kick back, relax, have a cocktail and enjoy a bite to eat. They feature a Sunday Pig Roast that is amazing! But be sure to arrive early as it is first come first serve. This also makes the perfect spot for hosting your rehearsal dinner, to really kick off your weekend of festivities with your guests. It is sure to set the tone for a weekend of relaxing.
*The Chat n Chill was featured on the 2010 cover of Martha Stewart’s Destination Weddings Issue .
2. Day Trip
Charter a full- or half-day catamaran (with the front desk at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa) and explore the hundreds of islands and cays that comprise the Exumas. The captain will arrange for a picnic lunch, and can drop you at a deserted isle for the afternoon, returning at sunset to pick you up. or you can explore a few of the 365 islands the stretch throughout Exuma. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
3. UnderSea Park
The UnderSea Park is not only a living coral reef but a unique eco-adventure experience for guests of Grand Isle Resort & Spa. Comprised of a network of shallow underwater snorkeling trails around the various reef formations surrounding Grand Isle, UnderSea Park is accessible by walking into the water right from the resort beach. Scubapro® snorkeling equipment is complimentary for guests of the resort so you can fully enjoy the spectacular beauty of this underwater world. The snorkeling trail is marked with buoys to help guide the way.
4. The Spa at the Grand Isle Resort
At the Grand Isle they have packages built especially for the bride and groom. The price is a little steep but it is worth it as you are treated to a total body experience of pure relaxation. Star with an island glow body sugar polish to renew the skin and get it ready for tanning. Next, enjoy a 50-minute personalized facial designed especially for your skin type, then top it all off with a soothing 80-minute lava shell massage. Finishing your day of bridal pampering with a French manicure and pedicure.
5. Swimming Pigs
I honestly didn’t believe this until I saw it. Swimming pigs, who knew?! Apparently in the Bahamas it isn’t as unheard of. You can take an excursion to Pig Beach where you can actually get in the water and swim with the pigs. The today show recently visited Exuma and captured it on video.
6. Cocktails
While lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the sound of the waves crashing, “happy hour” is bound to happen a few times throughout the day. One of my favorite things about being on vacation is a morning cocktail. The drink of the island is the Gumbay Smash, but another favorite of mine that is a must try is the Miami Vice (It is a pina colada and strawberry daquari in one, be sure to order it with a rum floater on top, it is pure delight!)
** I was lucky enough to get to travel with and share a villa with my dear friend Yumiko, of Hana Floral Design, and she too did a recap of our stay. Read about it here.
